I Have Been Summoned to Court for Stealing Food from Walmart

[Blondi337]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Indiana

1 month ago, I did something terrible. I was working at walmart at the time, and a few weeks before I found out I was pregnant. I didn't have insurance and I had been saving up all of my paychecks to go to the doctor. I went on break and got a 1/2 lb of turkey lunchmeat, and a 1/4 lb of cheese so I could have lunch at home. I stole the products and 2 days later a woman Drew me into the office because I had been caught.

She knew how much it cost; $12; and she proceeded to try and get me to confess to other things. She said she knew I had stolen other things and she said I had to fill out a statement.

Firstly, I didn't steal anything else. I have never stolen anything else in my entire life. Secondly I didn't know until the end of the statement that I didn;t have to fill out a statement, because it felt as if I was being forced. I proceeded to quit my job, out of sheer embarrassment.

yesterday I received a summons to court to answer to a class A misdemeanor charge.


So I was wondering if Wal-Mart can legally press charges if it is less than $20. Otherwise I'm thinking that they changed the amount to make it over $20.
Another question is "do I have any rights in this matter?'

If it helps, I am 19 and this is my first ever charge. the only thing I have ever been in trouble for is I got a seatbelt ticket a year ago.

Also how bad is a Class A misdemeanor, and what kind of punishment is entailed?

[cbg]

Of course they can legally press charges if it's under $20! Do you seriously think there's a law out there that says in essence that they can't take any action if you steal from them as long as you don't steal more than $20?

The law is not going to give you permission to steal as long as you only steal a little bit.

[Mr. Knowitall]

Why would you wonder if it's legal to steal? It's not. Not even a penny.

Per IC 35-50-3-2, "A person who commits a Class A misdemeanor shall be imprisoned for a fixed term of not more than one (1) year; in addition, he may be fined not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000)."

Read the stickied threads.

[PandorasBox]

Um....you are aware there are Food Banks? Or Department of Human Services (Food Stamps)? And Planned Parenthood has sliding-scale fees for birth control and can help you with other services related to your pregnancy (pre-natal care, help with financial assistance for food and baby needs).

And you do realize you will not be collecting Unemployment since (1) theft from employer, (2) voluntary quit.....

[Blondi337]

First of all, I know it is not legal to steal anything; that being said, a friend of mine told me that if it was under $20 then they usually just fine you up to $1000 instead of bringing it to court. Also, I am aware of programs like food stamps, etc, however I didn't qualify for any assistance of any kind. I apparently made too much money, and too little money to take care of my bills and to afford to go to the doctor. Also, I quit because I'm sure they were about to fire me and it looks better to quit than be fired. Also she was harrassing me trying to get me to admit to stealing more.

[PandorasBox]

Your friend is horribly wrong, you have a court summons.

Expect this: Courts costs and fines. Plead Not Guilty and ask for a Public Defender but bear in mind, that will cost a little ($250 in my area. You will have court costs and fines, and a criminal record that will make it hard to find work. Also, you'll get a letter from WalMart's lawyers in the mail asking for money (expect $150+). Yep....one very expensive lunch....

From experience....quitting vs firing....you still gotta put them on your resume/job applications, or explain the gap in employment somehow, and why you quit....

Please keep Planned Parenthood in mind, they will help you. Don't buy into the hype that they are just to provide abortions. They do pre and post natal care, and will help you find services that can help you and the baby also. I've seen the one I go to - they helped get formula, car seats, etc.

[indybail]

In many Indiana jurisdictions diversion is a possibility in situations such as this. I would suggest inquiring if this a an option in your jurisdiction.